Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance they provide to local authorities as to when individuals with dyslexia or other long-term difficulties with literacy should qualify for appropriate assistance under the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

Under the Equality Act (2010) a person has a disability if he or she has a physical or mental impairment and the impairment has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. We have published guidance under the act on matters to be taken into account in determining questions relating to the definition of disability.

'The Equality Act 2010 Guidance’ on matters to be taken into account in determining questions relating to the definition of disability, states that a disability can arise from a range of impairments that includes developmental disorders such as dyslexia. This guidance is attached. Some children and young people with disabilities have special educational needs, in which case the Children and Families Act (2014) also applies. Both these acts impose duties on a range of bodies, including local authorities.